Spawning Ground Surveyor - Scientific Technician 2 - Non-Permanent - Three Openings - 2026-07624

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in Lacey, WA is seeking a Spawning Ground Surveyor (Scientific Technician 2) for a 3-month term to support hatchery and wild salmonid monitoring in the South Puget Sound watersheds and Hood Canal. The role emphasizes data collection, field surveys, and coordination with fisheries management.

The position requires outdoor work in all weather, travel to survey sites daily, data entry into field records and spreadsheets, and handling equipment and

Qualifications

• Option 1: High school diploma or GED with 1 year of science and 2 years as Scientific Technician 1.
• Option 2: High school diploma or GED with 1 year of science and 2 years of laboratory or field experience as assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.
• College coursework in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry or natural sciences can substitute for experience year-for-year (6 semester or 9 quarter hours).

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys by enumerating and monitoring salmonid redds and recording live/dead counts.
• Drive to survey areas using maps and GPS as needed.
• Enter data onto field cards and into spreadsheets/databases.
• Collect biological data from fish carcasses (scales, fin marks, CWT).
• Maintain field gear, vehicles and equipment.
• Track weather and stream flows relative to the schedule.

Job description

Title- Spawning Ground Surveyor

Classification- Scientific Technician 2

Number of Vacancies- Three (3)

Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Anticipated Appointment Length- 3 Months– October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

WDFW Program- Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

Photo Caption: Marking Fall Chinook Redds – Photo Credit: WDFW

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to promoting sustainable fishing opportunities? Join our team and gain valuable hands-on experience.

This is an opportunity to conduct spawning ground surveys in the South Puget Sound watersheds and in Hood Canal for hatchery and wild Chinook, coho, chum, pink, sockeye, steelhead, and lamprey.

Your work will directly contribute to hatchery vs. wild salmon escapement estimates, run reconstruction, and forecasts used in fisheries management for both non-tribal sport and tribal commercial gillnet fisheries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Spawning Ground Surveyors will,

• Conduct surveys by enumerating and monitoring salmon, steelhead, and lamprey redds and recording live/dead fish counts.
• Drive to and from survey areas, utilizing maps and GPS as needed.
• Enter data accurately onto field cards and into spreadsheets/databases.
• Collect biological data from fish carcasses, such as scales, fin marks, and coded wire tags (CWT).
• Perform routine maintenance of assigned field gear, vehicles, and equipment.
• Track weather and stream flows in relation to the survey schedule.

Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards: Work outdoors in all weather conditions and varying stream flows, often alone and sometimes in small groups. Work is performed in a variety of terrain and stream substrate conditions. Hike (usually 3-5 miles) in or along streams with slick boulders, crawl over logjams, and wade across riffles with moderate-to-fast current. Maneuver watercraft such as rafts, drift boats, or jet sleds. Repetitively lift and maneuver equipment upwards to, or greater than, 40 pounds. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. A flexible schedule is required as it will vary based on weather conditions, stream flows, visibility, and the degree of spawning activity and may include weekends and holidays.

Travel Requirements

Daily travel from duty station to work sites.

Tools and Equipment

Watercraft (such as raft, drift boat, pontoon boats), personal flotation device (PFD), personal protective equipment (PPE), and sampling instruments.

Customer Interactions

May interact with members of the public.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Option 1: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.

Option 2: Graduation from high school or GED, including one (1) year of high school science and two (2) years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

Please Note: College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year-for-year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter hours of natural science classes.

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience with

• Identifying living and deceased salmonids in a field setting.
• Identifying, interpreting, and monitoring salmonid or lamprey spawning activities by species.
• Basic safe operation of rafts and boats in moving waters.
• Basic computer data entry.
• Interacting with members of the public on a professional basis.
• Operating vessels safely.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

Union - WAFWP

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [e-mail].
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone [phone] or email [e-mail], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or [e-mail].

Other questions

If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2026-07624